Using a Widget Name in another Domain Name

[Corey Bryant]

We are wanting to create a site that sells widget's services. Widget is a pretty well known name / search engine actually. We can support widget and offer our services as well.

Can we use widget in our domain name - i.e. widget-our-services.com ?

Thank you!

 

[Dave Zan]

Sure you can, Corey. But if your services is arguably "associated" with that of
the search engine, expect them to make a fuss.

If you register google-our-services and offer SE services, the big G can think
you're riding off their trademark. And you know what can happen next.

Have you established any relationship with the SE in question? Just an idea.

 

[Corey Bryant]

This is where it because a bit more tricky... And this is why I think it is OK - the Widget actually does not sell what we are selling. The Widget actually partners with another Company A to sell these services. (And to make matters a bit more complicated, Company A actually partners with our parent company to offer services.)

I sure hope that makes sense.

And just another idea - what about services-for-widget.com instead? That might even be better? Of course we do use www.example.com/widget in our URLs with no problems, so I don't know if in the domain name itself is "worse"?

Thanks again!

 

[Dave Zan]

This is where it because a bit more tricky... And this is why I think it is OK - the Widget actually does not sell what we are selling. The Widget actually partners with another Company A to sell these services. (And to make matters a bit more complicated, Company A actually partners with our parent company to offer services.)

While obviously I ain't an attorney, talking with your parent company might be
in order. Speaking of attorney, it might be wise to have one while at that.

Disclaimer: I'm just giving some ideas to explore. Be ready to seek advice from
a licensed experienced professional.

 

[Corey Bryant]

We do actually - we ran into a problem with another supplier. We noticed some agents were using their name in some domains, so we got a couple. The supplier got mad, and sued. (and the other agent is still using it.)

I'll go and talk to him - I was hoping to have a few things to back me up ... after all sometimes it's just common sense (we are just promoting their business) and not anything bad..

Thanks!!